President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
