Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into 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 provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
