President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
