The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
