Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
