Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
