The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
