The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
