President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
