Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
