President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.