Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
