The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
