President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
