The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
