Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
