The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
