President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
