The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
