Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
