Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
