Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread 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, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
