The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
