The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
