The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
