Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
