President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
