President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
