President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
