The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
