The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
