Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
