President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
