Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
