The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
