Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
