President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
