President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
