The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
