President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
