Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
