President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
