President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
