Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "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 these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
