President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
