The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
