The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
