Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
