Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
