Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
