The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
