President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
