The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
