The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
