President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group 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 an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
