President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
