The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
