President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
