The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
