President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate 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 an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
