President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
