President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
