The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
