The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
