The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
