Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, 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.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
