Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
