Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
