Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
