Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
