Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after 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 that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
