The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
