Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
