Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
