President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
