Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
