Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
