Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
