President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
