President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
