Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
