Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
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 affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
