The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
