President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
