Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
