President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
