The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
