Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
