The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
