President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
