The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
