Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
