Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
