Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
