Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
