President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
