Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
