President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
