The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
