Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
