President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
