The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
