Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
