The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
