Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
