Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
