President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
