President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, which many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
