President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
