President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
