President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
