Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
