Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
