Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
