President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
