President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
