President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
