President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
