Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
