Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
