Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
