The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
