President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
