President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
