Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
