President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
