President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization after he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
