Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
