Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
