Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
