President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
