President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
