Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
