President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
