President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
