Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
