Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
