The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
