Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
