President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
