President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
