President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
