Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
