Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
