The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
