President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
