Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
