Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
