Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
