President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
