The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
