Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
