Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
