The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
