Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
