Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
