Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
