The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
