The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
