Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
