The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
