The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
