Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
