President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth 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 participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
