Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
