President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
