Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
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 against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
