Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
