Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, 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
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
