President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
