Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
