President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
