Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
