Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
