The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
