The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
