President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
