Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
