The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
