Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
