Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
