Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
