President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
