Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite 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 arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
