President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
