President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
