The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
