Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
