President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
