The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
