President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
