President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
