President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, 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 president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
