President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
