Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
