Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
