Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run 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 implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
