The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
