President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
