The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Response
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
