President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
