Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
