Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
