Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
