Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
