Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
