The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
