Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
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 involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
