Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
