President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
