The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
