Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
