Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
