President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
