The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
