The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
