Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"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
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
