The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
