President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
