Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
