Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
