Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
