Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
