Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
