Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
