Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened similar military action against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of the population 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 as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
