President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
