Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
