Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
