President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
