President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
