The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
