Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While 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 Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
