President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
