The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela 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 Threats and Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
