The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
