Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
