President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
