President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
