Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
