The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
