Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
