Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
