Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
