Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
