Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
