President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
