Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
