Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
