President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
