President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
