Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
