Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
