President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
