President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
