President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization after he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
