Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
