Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
