Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
