The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
