President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
