President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
