The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
