President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
