Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.