The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
