President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
