Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
