The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
