The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
