President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
