Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
