The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted 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.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
