The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
