Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
