Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.