President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
