President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
