Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
