Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
