Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest 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 Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
