Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
