President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
