Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
