The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
