President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
