The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
