Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
