Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
