Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn 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 people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
