President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
