Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
