President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
