Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
