Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
