President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country 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 participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
