Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
