President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
