Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
