Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"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 reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
