President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
