Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
