Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
