The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
