The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
