The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
