The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
