Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of 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 against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
