Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
