President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
