President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
