The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
