The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
