Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing 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.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
