President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
