Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
