The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
