The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
