President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
