Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
