President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
