Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
