The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, which many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
