Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
