Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
