Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
