Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
