The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
