President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Response
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
