The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
