President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.