Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
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 strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
