President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
