The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
