The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
