President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
