Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
