President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
