Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
