President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
