Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
