President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
