The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
