Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
