President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
