Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
