President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
