President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
