The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
