Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
