President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
