President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
