Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
