Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
