President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
