Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
