Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
