Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
