President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
