President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
