Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
