President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
