Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
