The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
