Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.