The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
