Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
