Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
