President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
