The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
