Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
