Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
