The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
