The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
