President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
