Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
