President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
