Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force 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 he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
