President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
