Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
