President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
