President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
