President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
