President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
