Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
