The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
