Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
