Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
