Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
