President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
