President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
