Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
