The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
