President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
