President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
