President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar military action against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
