Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
