Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
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 trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
