Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
