Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
