Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
