President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
