Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
