The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and various close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
