Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
