The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
