Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
