Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
