President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
