Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
