President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
