Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
