The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
