Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
