Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
