President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
