Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
