Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as 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 after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
