President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
