President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
