Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
