President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
