Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
