The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
