Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
