President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
