The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
