Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
