Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
