Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
