Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Response
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
