Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
