President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
