President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
