President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
