The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
