President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
