President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
