Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
