Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
