President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
