President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
