Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
