President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
