President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
