President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
