Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
