The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
