Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
