Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
