President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.