Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
