President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
