Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
