The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
