President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Response
When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
