The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
