Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
