Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
