Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
