President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
