Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query 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."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
