Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
