Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
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, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
