President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
