Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
