Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
