President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
