Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
