Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
