Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
