President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
