The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
