The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade 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 laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
