Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
