The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
