Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
