The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
