The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
