Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
