Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
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 also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
