Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
