Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
