The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
