President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
