President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
