The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
