President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
