The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
