President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
