The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
