President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
