The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
