Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
