Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
