Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
