President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
