Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
