Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
