President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
