Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
