President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
