The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
