The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
