Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
