President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
