President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
