President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
