The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
