The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
