Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization following he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
