Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
